Have you ever heard of the beautiful Oshino Hakkai Village? It is popular for its natural beauty and historical significance. It consists of eight crystal-clear spring-fed ponds that were formed from the snowmelt of Mount Fuji.
These ponds are held in awe for their pristine and transparent waters, which allow visitors to see all the way down to the bottom. The purity of these waters is due to the natural filtration system of Mount Fuji’s volcanic rocks.
The area is still well-preserved, showcasing traditional Japanese rural life and architecture. It has become a popular tourist destination where visitors can appreciate the picturesque landscape and experience the local culture! Additionally, mount fuji oshino hakkai holds cultural and religious significance as the site of several shrines and temples.
History of Oshino Hakkai Village
Oshino Hakkai Village has a rich history that dates back many centuries. The Oshino Hakkai area has been lived in since ancient times, and its natural springs and fertile lands made it an attractive location for settlements. People have lived here for centuries, engaging in agriculture and making use of abundant water sources.
Moreover, Oshino Hakkai has been part of a pilgrimage route for practitioners of Shugendo. It is a syncretic religion that combines elements of Buddhism and Shintoism. The countless Shinto shrines will be more educative about it! It is said that pilgrims would travel to the sacred Mount Fuji and stop at Oshino Hakkai’s ponds for purification rituals before continuing their ascent.
In recent times, Oshino Hakkai has become a popular tourist destination due to its stunning landscape, clear ponds, and historical value. The area attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience the serenity of the village and learn about its cultural heritage. Oshino Hakkai’s unique scenery and traditional buildings have also attracted filmmakers and TV producers. It has been featured in uncountable Japanese films and television dramas!
When is the best time to visit Oshino Hakkai Village?
In general, the best time to visit Oshino Hakkai Village is during the spring and autumn seasons.
It is spring from March to May, and this is the time when Oshino Hakkai is especially beautiful as the cherry blossoms bloom. The surrounding area becomes photographic, with the pink cherry blossoms contrasting against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.
The weather is generally pleasant during this time which the temperature ranging from 10 °C to 20 °C, making it an ideal season for sightseeing and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Autumn is also a good time to visit Oshino Hakkai Village, which is from September to November. Autumn brings a stunning display of fall foliage to Oshino Hakkai and its surroundings.
The leaves of the maple trees and other deciduous trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a beautiful scene that attracts many visitors. The weather remains mild and comfortable, making it another great time to explore the village!
Additionally, it is worth noting that Oshino Hakkai can get quite busy with tourists during the peak seasons, especially around the cherry blossom and fall foliage periods. If you prefer a quieter experience, I would highly recommend you consider visiting during weekdays or outside of these peak periods.
Keep in mind that weather patterns can change from year to year, so it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
How to get to Oshino Hakkai Village from Tokyo
You can either choose to drive or take a bus or train to Oshino Hakkai from Tokyo Station. Since taking a taxi can be expensive, most tourists take a direct bus from Tokyo Station to Oshino Hakkai.
Fujisan is the closest train station to Oshino Hakkai, and it is on the Fuji Kyuko line. A bus ride from there is about 20 to 25 minutes which will take you near the entrance of the village.
Paid: Day tour to Oshino Hakkai from Tokyo
The eight ponds of Oshino Hakkai Village
Oshino Hakkai, the sixth lake of the Fuji Five Lakes Region, has its own ponds. It has eight clear ponds formed due to the volcanic eruption of Mount Fuji. The eight ponds get their freshwater from the melted snow of Mount Fuji.
You can explore all of them one by one as they are very close to one another. Every pond has its own specialty, and you can experience them all at once during your trip to Oshino Hakkai Village.
Here is the list of the eight ponds:
Deguchiike Pond
3483-2 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Okamaike Pond
114 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Sokonashiike Pond
Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Choshiike Pond
265 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Wakuike Pond
354 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Nigoriike Pond
360 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Kagamiike Pond
352 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Shobuike Pond
444-2 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Top 10 things to do in Oshino Hakkai Village
1. Visiting the Shrines and Temples
Visiting some of the ancient shrines of Oshino Hakkai Village is something you cannot miss during your trip. There are several shrines all over the area that tells you a different story about the history of Oshino Hakkai. Taking a tour of a few of them will absolutely bring peace to your mind and complete your trip!
Fujisan Shrine
Address: 3537 Oasumi, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0003
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Open every day
Admission: Free
Sengen Shrine
Address: 456 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Open every day
Admission: Free
Toenji Temple
Address: 38 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Jazueki Shrine
Address: Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Inari Shrine
Address: 1 Chome-36 Oasumi, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0003
Exploring Hannokibayashi Folklore Museum
Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan is located surrounding the largest pond of Oshino Hakkai. You will get to see a traditional farmhouse with a thatched roof containing several farming items, household necessities, weapons and armor of samurai, etc.
It is a small open-air museum that can be on your list of places to visit in the village as it holds the aesthetic of ancient Japan. The fun doubles as you can enter the house and experience the ancient aspect of this culture!
Address: 265 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed: Thursday
Admission: ¥300
3. Going To Oshino Village Tourist Information Center
This place will be absolutely helpful for tourists wanting to plan everything about their trip to Oshino Hakkai. You will get several necessary information about the tourist spots, accommodation, transportation, etc. You can also purchase Fujikyuko bus tickets from there.
Moreover, you can even get to know about the cultural activities of that area and participate to have a super fun experience! The gift shop of the center has a bunch of interesting items to collect and fill up your souvenir bag. It is only a 3 minutes’ walk from the Hannobayashi Folklore Museum.
Address: 239-3 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Opening Hours: Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Open every day
Admission: Free
4. Shinobi no Sato Ninja Village Adventure
Are you just as excited about the Japanese ninja culture as I am? Well, this Shinobi no sato village is going to be perfect for an adventure! Right at the entrance of the spot, you can find a unique souvenir shop to rent your favorite ninja outfit. Inside the park, you will find out interesting ninja shows and activities that you can start enjoying right away with your cool costume.
You can take pictures, visit the houses, and take part in super cool ninja activities to truly experience the culture rather than just viewing it. You can also check out several reviews of this place before going to get a better idea about how awesome this village is!
It will take you from 10 to 15 minutes from the folklore museum if you take a bus.
Address: 2845 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Opening Hours: From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Open every day
Admission: ¥1800 for adults, ¥1300 for elementary school students, and ¥1000 for children above three years old.
5. Enjoying the Kaneyamano Falls
Kaneyama Waterfall is a photographic waterfall near Oshino Hakkai. You can easily take a bus from Oshino Hakkai and reach the waterfall within 15 minutes. From the Katsura River in Yamanashi, the water flows and gets the street from Oshino Hakkai and Lake Yamanakako.
It has 10 meters drop with two streams where you can enjoy the splash blissfully during a hot summer. Autumn is the most popular season to visit there because of all the bright orange and red colored leaves painting their surroundings.
Address: Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
6. Relaxing At Benifuji no Yu Hot Spring
You can spend some amazing time relaxing in this beautiful spa. This place is super popular for its open-air spa facilities with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji.
You can have access to lie-down or jet baths along with a sauna. Their alkaline water and atmosphere claim to cleanse you thoroughly with an unforgettable experience!
Address: 865-776 Yamanaka, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0501
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Closed: Open every day
Admission: ¥800 for adults, ¥600 for students, and ¥300 for primary school students
7. Sakana Park Tour
Sakana Park is a theme park in Oshino Hakkai Village that was established back in 2001. It is based on the water and forests of Japan to show extraordinary aquatic life.
You will also love it if you like birds as the place is basically like a zoo letting you interact with the harmless wildlife and educating you more about nature. There is a pool and play area inside the park, along with other spots like a forest museum and an aquarium.
The park is only a 3-minute walking distance away from the Sakana-Koen bus stop.
Address: 3098-1 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Every Tuesday
Admission: Free
8. Fuji Yusui no Sato Aquarium Visit
These fishes are kept in the spring water of Mount Fuji, which gives a clear and pristine view of the tank. You can take super cool pictures around the aquarium and get to see them closely.
Address: 3098-1 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed: Open every day
Admission: ¥420 for adults, ¥220 for primary and middle school students (free on Saturdays), and free for children under 5.
9. Mori no Gakushukan (Forest Museum) Visit
This unique spot is like a forest learning center where you can learn about a lot of forest creatures like plants, animals, insects, etc. Pieces and sculptures of these creatures are on display with their names and a little detail to teach you so much about wildlife!
People also learn about the eco-friendly lifestyle of the local people along with the volcanic activity of Mount Fuji.
Address: 3098-1 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Every Tuesday
Admission: Free
10. Trying Out Local Cuisine
Well, after that much exploring, who wouldn’t be hungry? You should also add trying out the local cuisine of Oshino Hakkai as a must-do during your trip. There are many restaurants all around the village, along with super delicious food vendors near the ponds.
You can also find outdoor grills that smell amazing all the time because of the local food being grilled and cooked. I still miss the roasted and spiced sweet potatoes with pickles and vegetables. You should also try the toasted rice crackers, which are one of their many specialties!
Another must-have item is their soba noodles, which you will find in most of their local restaurant. These noodles come in both mild and flavorful versions that you can choose according to your taste.
Where to stay in Oshino Hakkai?
You can find a bunch of hotels and cheap hostels to stay in Oshino Hakkai Village. It would be wise to do a little research to find the best hotels according to your preference and budget. Some of the affordable options are Guesthouse E-ne, Ryokan Fujitomita, etc. You can also opt for expensive options like R-house 1st and Shinka Hanare.
What is the parking system in Oshino Hakkai?
If you plan to drive around the village all day to explore and enjoy, getting proper parking spots will be a must. Oshino Hakkai Parking Lot is near the entrance of the springs, where there is a huge space for vehicles. People can park their cars, motorcycles, and bicycles for an hourly or daily charge. The parking lot is well-managed for all kinds of weather conditions.
Address: Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Hannoki Parking Lot is another option for parking your car near the entrance of Oshino Hakkai. Even though the parking lot does not charge you any payment, it can only accommodate around 60 cars, which can be a problem if you are there during the tourist season. Nevertheless, the parking lot has a restroom for the people, along with vending machines.
Address: 295 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
You can also park at Oshino Hakkai Minamiguchi Parking Lot. This will be convenient to access the trails of the eight ponds of the village. This one is spacious enough, along with the facility of restrooms and vending machines.
Address: 232-1 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511
Besides, you can find several other small parking lots all over the village near restaurants and other attractions.
How much time to spend in Oshino Hakkai?
If you are in a rush, you can easily spend a few hours in the village to enjoy the main attractions, like the shrines and museums, during your short trip to Oshino Hakkai Village. You can also consider a day trip to visit the places and spend more time enjoying the experience.
Moreover, it will not be that much of a hassle if you decide to stay in the village for a day or two. You can easily get yourself a budget-friendly hostel to stay and explore all the places at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What famous village is near Mount Fuji?
Oshino Hakkai Village Area is adjacent to one side of Lake Kawaguchi and another side of Lake Yamanaka. The village is considered to be one of the most beautiful spots to view Mount Fuji, with spectacular surroundings.
What is the meaning of “Oshino Hakkai”?
The term “Oshino Hakkai” refers to a scenic area located in Oshino village, which is situated near Mount Fuji. The term “Hakkai” can be broken down into two parts: “Hakka,” which means eight and “I,” which means ponds or springs. This is why, “Hakkai” translates to “Eight Ponds.”
What is the nearest station to Oshino Hakkai?
Fujisan Station and Shimoyoshida Station are two of the closest stations to Oshino Hakkai Village. Fujisan Station is located only 4km away from Oshino Hakkai, and you can travel to the village from the station using a bus or a taxi. The bus is the cheapest option; that will cost you from ¥280 to ¥420 and take around 25 minutes. If you choose a taxi, you can reach under 10 minutes, but it will cost you from ¥3222 to ¥4062.